ACO Vision
Using a broad range of community-based and family-focused interventions, the ACO enhances the capability of people with aphasia and their families to continue living healthy lives and remain in their homes. Professional staff and trained volunteers provide communication therapy, counselling, ongoing support, and advocacy.
ACO Mission
ACO is dedicated to facilitating the inclusion of people with aphasia in family and community life by bridging the communication gap.
ACO History
The Aphasia Centre of Ottawa was founded in 1990 by Gillian Gailey and Kathy Stiell. They were inspired to create a centre where people with aphasia could feel at ease, supported, and valued despite their disability. They combined speech therapy and social work services to create a collaborative model of care in the community. They saw a need for services outside of the hospital to provide long-term ongoing support to people with aphasia and their families. Gillian and Kathy’s shared vision for the centre has guided it from its grassroots beginnings to what it has become today, a well-respected community-based program that facilitates renewed participation in family and social life for people living with aphasia.
Our Supporters
